Athlete of the Week: Mikah Yu wins her ninth consecutive match for Timberwolves tennis

The Woodcreek Lady Timberwolves tennis team has won their last 11 matches and is currently undefeated in the Capital Valley Conference, following a 6-3 win over Roseville High on Oct. 12. Their top player all season has been junior Mikah Yu, who is 15-3 and has won each of her last nine singles matches. Yu won her match against Antelope High 6-1, 6-0 on Oct. 11 before defeating Ella Fuchs of Roseville High 6-4, 6-1 on Oct. 12. Yu also played for the Timberwolves in 2021 and finished with an 18-1 record and made it to the league finals in singles competition where she lost to her older sister, Miyah. The Timberwolves won the Sac-Joaquin Section Division II Championship last season and will look to repeat in 2022. Gold Country Media asked Yu some questions and her answers follow. What is the best part about playing tennis at Woodcreek High? Yu: "The best part about playing tennis at Woodcreek High would have to be the team outings, such as traveling to Fresno and the team dinners we do. Not only do the players get closer, we get to become better friends and learn more about each other while having fun and still being competitive." How long have you been playing competitively and who/what is your biggest motivation? Yu: "I first started playing tennis at nine years old and played competitive United States Tennis Association tennis for about three years but quit after moving to Roseville. Since then, I have been focusing on high school tennis." You played last season with your sister, Miyah. What was that experience like and how has she played a role in making you a better player? Yu: "My sister, Miyah, and I have always been super competitive with each other and in some strange way that has actually both pushed us to be better. I realize it now that without her, I wouldn't have the motivation I have now, fueled by my past need to beat her." Did any of your other family members play sports and if so which ones and at what levels? Yu: "My parents did high school sports for the most part but involved me and my three other siblings all in tennis. Over the years, we have all played, mainly me with my two sisters competitively and my little brother who has been playing for a couple years now." Have you ever been involved in other sports? Yu: "I have done a couple years of cross country in the past, but for the most part, tennis was my main sport and focus. I didn't really have time for anything else but I would like to maybe start up a new sport just for fun in the future since tennis is really all I have known." What are your biggest strengths as a singles player? Woodcreek High junior Mikah Yu defeated Ella Fuchs of Roseville High 6-4, 6-1 to win her ninth match in a row on Oct. 12. Aaron Jackson Woodcreek High junior Mikah Yu defeated Ella Fuchs of Roseville High 6-4, 6-1 to win her ninth match in a row on Oct. 12. Aaron Jackson Yu: "I would say my biggest strength is my intensity when I'm out on the court. I think this originated from my years of tournaments and constant training from when I was younger that has stayed with me until now. Combined with practice and my years of training, this is my biggest asset when I am out on the court since it makes my playing style aggressive and quick." What are your biggest goals for the remainder of the season? Yu: "My biggest goal for this season is to win the league. Our team clinched the league title four years in a row and now I feel the goal of winning the singles league." What is/has been your favorite class in school and why? Yu: "My favorite classes in school would have to be my AP U.S. history class and my AP psychology class. I have amazing teachers who make these subjects very interesting to me and make the class fun." Who is your favorite musical artist/band? Yu: "My favorite musical artists vary as I like many of them. I like artists like Michael Bublé and Rod Stewart, as well as The Weeknd and Tory Lanez." Favorite restaurant and favorite food? Yu: "My favorite restaurant is hands-down Chipotle. I can eat it anytime and I get a steak burrito at least once a week." Outside of school and playing tennis, what do you like to do in your free time? Yu: "In my free time, I love hanging out with my dog. We go on joy rides on our golf cart, swim in the pool and even nap together. I like to joke that he's my best friend, just crusty and with four legs." Is there a particular job you'd like to have someday? Yu: "I'm still not too sure of what I want to go into but I am leaning toward law. AP U.S. history is my favorite subject and law peaks my interest. It's strange and even until a couple years ago, it wouldn't have interested me but I guess I have matured in that sense." If you had advice for other local athletes, what would you tell them? Yu: "If I had advice for other athletes, I would tell them to take it easy and take their time. I myself was a bit burned out with tennis and recently found joy in picking it back up in high school but it used to be the center of stress and anger for me. Find enjoyment from doing the sport and be realistic with your goals."